New study: Precipitation can increase stability of some trees in wind storms
Root anchorage is one of the main drivers of tree stability in wind storms. Tree winching help to understand forces that tree can withstand. We compared stability of two pine species after wetting the soil and uncovered that wet soil can actually *increase* tree strength by add weight to the root mass. This experiment helped resolve a paradox of soil moisture by distinguish the opposite effects of long-term and short-term soil moisture.
Now hiring: Mussel Conservation & Landscape Ecology Seasonal Technician
We are seeking applicants from motivated individuals for a Seasonal Research Technican to contribute to the development of a Habitat Conservation Plan for freshwater mussels. The successful applicant will assist with UAV stream surveys, use acoustic doppler on stream reaches, and conduct biological surveys for freshwater mussels. The position will work in a team setting, collaborating with the Jones Center Mussel Conservation and Landscape Ecology Research Teams. Applications reviewed immediately
Landscape Ecology Lab welcomes Dr. Behnoosh Abbasnezhad
The Landscape Ecology lab is proud to welcome Dr. Behnoosh Abbasnezhad who recently completed her PhD research at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. Dr. Abbasnezhad’s future work will improve conservation outcomes in longleaf pine ecosystems by working with NRCS to develop tools for identifying high-priority areas for conservation easements and develop education materials to improve natural disturbance-based management outcomes in longleaf pine.
New study: Protecting planted longleaf pine from severe winds
Planted stands of longleaf pine contribute to landscape-scale restoration of the ecosystem and the imperiled species it harbors. Yet frequent severe winds from hurricanes occur throughout its range. We surveyed planted stands of longleaf pine in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. We found that damage increased with forest fragmentation and stands with increased taper were most resistant
Now hiring: Landscape Ecology Research Technician
We are seeking applicants from motivated individuals for a Seasonal Research Technican to help with upcoming studies on disturbance ecology and restoration in longleaf pine! Applications are due April 5, 2024.
Pardon our smoke: Prescribed fire season ramps up in Georgia
February and March bring “bluebird days” where weather conditions are perfect for using prescribed fire to help conserve and protect longleaf pine ecosystems and the native species they house.
Can off-site native pines accelerate longleaf pine restoration?
Meeting the pace and scale of longleaf pine restoration may require innovative solutions. Restoration of longleaf pine woodlands often starts with removal of native pines, prior to re-establishing longleaf pine. Here, we review functional similarities among native, off-site pines such as loblolly, slash, and shortleaf have enough functional similarity. We found that native-off site species may be a useful tool for providing many of the ecological benefits especially if their retention permits unterrupted management with fire and open structure.
MS opportunity: Disturbance interactions and tree mortality
The Landscape Ecology lab is teaming up with Dr. Timothy Shearman from Auburn University to recruit a motivated MS student to study how repeated prescribed fire influences mortality from hurricanes. Applications are due by March 1, 2024! Classwork will be completed at Auburn and fieldwork completed at the Jones Center at Ichauway. Please share this unique opportunity widely!
New study: Hurricanes boost reproduction in longleaf pine
Using long-term records of longleaf pine cone production, hurricane tracks, and weather data, a new study has uncovered that hurricanes can boost cone production for two years in the masting species, longleaf pine. The study was led by the Jones Center and the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station and published in the journal New Phytologist.
New study: Patterns of hurricane gaps in a longleaf pine landscape
Ecological approaches to forestry seek to emulate aspects of natural disturbances like hurricanes which are a common disturbance in longleaf pine forets. This study used airborne lidar to measure patterns of hurricane-created gaps to offer guidance for application of natural disturbance-based management in landscapes dominated by longleaf pine.